- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe, Asia
- Traditions
- Western herbal medicine
Europe · Herb · № 277
Bistorta officinalis (syn. Polygonum bistorta)
Herb · Europe
Bistort
Bistorta officinalis (syn. Polygonum bistorta)
Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, stops diarrhoea and bleeding, anticatarrhal.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
The dried rhizome as a decoction or mouthwash. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
The name refers to the twisted, snake-like rhizome, which according to the doctrine of signatures would help against snakebites. In European folk medicine it was one of the most astringent herbs: as a mouthwash for inflamed gums and internally for diarrhoea. In northern England the young leaves were eaten in a bitter Easter pudding.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Astringent, stops diarrhoea and bleeding, anticatarrhal.
Preparation and amount
Root.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Strongly astringent, cleansing; stops bleeding (heavy menstruation, nosebleeds, haemorrhoids), for diarrhoea, helps eliminate toxins.
Preparation and amount
Decoction: 1–2 tsp per cup, 10–12 min, as needed; tincture 10–30 drops; sitz bath: 6 tbsp per litre, steep 1 hour; cotton ball with decoction in the nose for nosebleeds.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionTinctureSteam and bath